Surah Aal-i-Imraan 3:173 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Aal-i-Imraan, Ayah 173
Arabic Text
الَّذِيۡنَ قَالَ لَهُمُ النَّاسُ اِنَّ النَّاسَ قَدۡ جَمَعُوۡا لَـكُمۡ فَاخۡشَوۡهُمۡ فَزَادَهُمۡ اِیۡمَانًا ۖ وَّقَالُوۡا حَسۡبُنَا اللّٰهُ وَنِعۡمَ الۡوَكِيۡلُ
Transliteration
Allatheena qala lahumu annasuinna annasa qad jamaAAoo lakum fakhshawhumfazadahum eemanan waqaloo hasbunaAllahu waniAAma alwakeel
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Ali 'Imran 3:173 describes the remarkable response of believers who, when warned 'inna an-naasa qad jamaoo lakum fakhshawhumm' (the people have gathered against you, so fear them), experienced 'fazaadahum eemaanan' (increased faith) and declared 'hasbunaallahu wa ni'mal wakeel' (Allah is sufficient for us and He is the best disposer of affairs). This verse refers specifically to the expedition to Hamra al-Asad after the Battle of Uhud, when wounded companions immediately responded to the Prophet's call despite being threatened with enemy forces. According to authentic narrations, when intimidating reports reached the Muslims about Meccan preparations for another attack, instead of being discouraged, their trust in Allah deepened and their resolve strengthened. The phrase 'Hasbunaallahu wa ni'mal wakeel' represents one of Islam's most powerful declarations of reliance on divine protection, expressing complete confidence that Allah's planning surpasses all human schemes. The word 'wakeel' means trustee, guardian, and disposer of affairs, indicating that Allah manages all matters with perfect wisdom and power. This verse demonstrates a fundamental Islamic principle: genuine faith transforms challenges into opportunities for spiritual growth, and divine threats become catalysts for deeper trust in Allah's sovereignty and protection.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Tafsir & Context
Detailed tafsir and context for Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 173 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 173
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the established meaning and historical context of Ali 'Imran 3:173?
Ali 'Imran 3:173 describes believers who, when warned 'inna an-naasa qad jamaoo lakum fakhshawhumm' (the people have gathered against you, so fear them), experienced 'fazaadahum eemaanan' (increased faith) and declared 'hasbunaallahu wa ni'mal wakeel' (Allah is sufficient for us and He is the best disposer of affairs). This verse refers to the expedition to Hamra al-Asad after Uhud, where wounded companions responded to intimidating threats with strengthened faith and complete trust in Allah's protection and planning.
❓What are the historical circumstances of the Hamra al-Asad expedition mentioned in this verse?
After the Battle of Uhud, the Meccan forces initially retreated but then reconsidered their position, planning to return and finish off the Muslim community in Medina. When the Prophet ﷺ received intelligence about this threat, he called upon the wounded companions to march out and meet the potential attack. Despite their injuries and the intimidating reports about enemy preparations, approximately seventy companions volunteered for this expedition to Hamra al-Asad, demonstrating their increased faith and trust in Allah rather than fear of human threats.
❓What is the linguistic and spiritual significance of 'Hasbunaallahu wa ni'mal wakeel'?
The phrase 'Hasbunaallahu wa ni'mal wakeel' means 'Allah is sufficient for us and He is the best disposer of affairs.' 'Hasbuna' indicates sufficiency and adequacy, 'wakeel' means trustee, guardian, and manager of affairs, while 'ni'ma' expresses excellence and perfection. This declaration represents complete reliance on Allah's protection, wisdom, and planning. According to hadith, this same phrase was used by Ibrahim (AS) when thrown into fire, establishing it as a timeless expression of trust in divine providence during moments of extreme trial.
❓How does this verse demonstrate the relationship between trials and faith strengthening?
This verse establishes a fundamental Islamic principle: genuine faith transforms challenges into catalysts for spiritual growth. When believers were threatened with overwhelming enemy forces, instead of becoming discouraged, their trust in Allah deepened ('fazaadahum eemaanan' - it increased their faith). This demonstrates that external pressures, when met with proper Islamic perspective, serve to purify and strengthen belief rather than weaken it. The verse teaches that divine guidance provides believers with spiritual resilience that transcends material circumstances.
❓What spiritual and theological principles derive from this verse about divine trust?
This verse establishes several key principles: that Allah's planning supersedes all human schemes; that genuine faith grows stronger under pressure rather than weaker; that believers should respond to threats with increased reliance on divine protection rather than fear; and that declaring Allah as 'wakeel' (disposer of affairs) represents complete submission to divine wisdom. The verse also demonstrates that true courage comes from recognizing Allah's absolute sovereignty over all circumstances, transforming potential fear into spiritual confidence.
❓How does this verse fit within the broader narrative themes of Surah Ali 'Imran?
This verse continues the surah's themes about the testing of believers through trials, the distinction between those with genuine faith and those with weak conviction, and the ultimate triumph of those who trust completely in Allah. It follows the lessons from Uhud by showing how apparent setbacks become opportunities for spiritual advancement. The verse reinforces the surah's emphasis on divine wisdom working through seemingly difficult circumstances and the importance of community solidarity in maintaining faith during challenging times.
❓What are the core spiritual lessons and ethical teachings for modern believers?
This verse teaches that authentic faith requires responding to challenges with increased trust in Allah rather than decreased confidence. It emphasizes that intimidation tactics, whether physical, psychological, or economic, should strengthen rather than weaken Islamic resolve. The verse also demonstrates the importance of collective courage and community support during difficult times. Modern believers can apply this by responding to personal, professional, or social pressures with deeper reliance on divine guidance and increased commitment to Islamic principles.
❓How can the guidance of this verse be practically applied in contemporary life?
Modern Muslims can apply this verse by responding to various forms of intimidation - whether workplace pressure to compromise Islamic values, social pressure to abandon religious practices, or global events that create fear about being Muslim - with increased commitment to faith and regular recitation of 'Hasbunaallahu wa ni'mal wakeel.' The verse encourages believers to view challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth, to support community members facing difficulties, and to maintain confidence that Allah's planning surpasses all human schemes.
❓What does this verse teach about the psychology of faith under pressure?
This verse reveals that genuine Islamic faith contains within itself the mechanism for growth under pressure. When faced with external threats, true believers experience 'fazaadahum eemaanan' (increased faith) rather than decreased confidence. This psychological resilience comes from recognizing that all circumstances are ultimately under Allah's control and that divine planning is superior to human scheming. The verse demonstrates that declaring Allah as sufficient ('Hasbunaallahu') creates internal peace and strength that transcends external circumstances, providing a foundation for courage that cannot be shaken by material threats.
❓How does this verse address modern concerns about fear, anxiety, and social pressure?
In an age characterized by various forms of anxiety and social pressure, this verse provides a powerful antidote through the principle of increased trust during increased challenges. It teaches that the proper Islamic response to intimidation is not withdrawal or compromise but deeper reliance on divine protection and wisdom. The verse offers 'Hasbunaallahu wa ni'mal wakeel' as a practical tool for managing anxiety, encouraging believers to transform fear into spiritual confidence by recognizing Allah's ultimate control over all affairs. This perspective provides psychological stability and moral courage in facing contemporary challenges.
Translations & Commentary
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